Astrological apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for presenting astrological data which includes an arrangement for storing astrological data is described. A timer provides repetitively an enabling control signal upon expiration of successive time intervals of given duration, preferably of 24 hour duration, and a disabling signal upon the expiration of a second time interval of the given duration, the disabling signal appearing subsequent to the enabling signal. The stored data is selectively retrieved from the arrangement for storing by a means responsive to the control signals. A data receiver is provided which makes the selectively retrieved data available to individuals. The arrangement for storing is a film strip and/or audio recording, the latter preferably being arranged in a cassette. The data receiver is an audio playback system associated with a sound reproducer and/or an image projector associated with a screen. The stored data may be carried on an opaque strip and the data receiver may be an arrangement which permits the direct viewing of a portion of the opaque strip through an aperture in the housing of the apparatus.

United States Patent [1 1 Concha C Dec. 16, 1975 1 4] ASTROLOGICAL APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Teodosio Jose Concha C, Pittston,

[73] Assignee: Ver-Con, Inc., West Pittston, Pa. [22] Filed: June 7, 1973 21 App]. No.: 367,726

[52] US. Cl. 40/31; 58/152; 353/109 [51] Int. C1. G03B 23/12; G09F 11/295; I G04C 23/0C 158} Field of Search 353/1, 40, 2, 26, 109;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,623,076 4/1927 Tremaine 58/6 2,038,909 4/1936 Smith et al 353/2 3,139,793 7/1964 Bradford et a1... 353/26 3,418,045 12/1968 Rovsek 353/95 3,420,051 l/l969 Matteson 58/14 3,588,394 6/1971 Koch 200/38 FB 3,596,253 7/1971 Ruth et 340/1725 3,632,199 l/1972 Peterson 353/103 Priman' E.raminerRichard E. Aegerter Assistant ExaminerSteven L. Stephan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Edwin E. Greigg [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for presenting astrological data which includes an arrangement for storing astrological data is described. A timer provides repetitively an enabling control signal upon expiration of successive time intervals of given duration, preferably of 24 hour duration, and a disabling signal upon the expiration of a second time interval of the given duration, the disabling signal appearing subsequent to the enabling signal. The stored data is selectively retrieved from the arrangement for storing by a means responsive to the control signals. A data receiver is provided which makes the selectively retrieved data available to individuals. The arrangement for storing is a film strip and/or audio recording, the latter preferably being arranged in a cassette. The data receiver is an audio playback system associated with a sound reproducer and/or an image projector associated with a screen. The stored data may be carried on an opaque strip and the data receiver may be an arrangement which permits the direct viewing of a portion of the opaque strip through an aperture in the housing of the apparatus.

1 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet1of2 3,925,917

U.S. Pateznt Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 2 of2 3,925,917

/I* I I I Ix/I I/ nun.

ASTROLOGICAL APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for presenting astrological data to individuals. The invention relates, more particularly, to an apparatus for presenting selectively astrological data to individuals from data storage arrangement under the control of a timer.

The term astrology is derived from the two Greek words logos, meaning logic or reason, and astra, meaning star. The term horoscope is derived from the two words hora, meaning hour, and scope, meaning to view. The term astrological data, as used hereinafter, means data based on horoscopes and developed therefrom.

The science of astrology is concerned with the interpretation of nature as foreshadowed by a map of the heavens at a particular time. Among other things, the character, temperment and physical nature of persons and events which affect life have been said to be discernible by using astrological techniques.

A horoscope, often referred to as a natal chart, is essentially a chart of the Sun, Moon and planets with respect to a specific location on Earth at a specific moment, i.e., the moment of birth of an individual insofar as personal horoscopes are concerned. These heavenly bodies are charted against the background of the zodiac.

In recent years, a keen new interest in astrology has become apparent. A considerable number of newspapers and magazines publish popular daily and monthly guides relating to astrology. These guides are not true horoscopes for they do not relate to individuals, only very general information being provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for presenting astrological data for an individual on a regular basis at predetermined intervals.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for presenting astrological data for an individual at predetermined intervals from a store, preferably from a voice recording and/or a film strip.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for presenting astrological data for an individual under the control of a timing device.

The foregoing objects, as well as others which are to be made apparent from the text which follows, are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing an apparatus which includes a timing device. The timing device produces repetitively an enabling control signal upon the expiration of each successive first time interval of given duration and a disabling control signal upon expiration of each successive time interval of the same duration. The disabling control signal is produced subsequent to the enabling control signal. A data storage member is provided for storing the astrological data. A data retrieval arrangement is coupled to the timing device and is responsive to each pair of signals composed of every signal pair composed of the enabling control signal and the disabling control signal. The data retrieval arrangement selectively retrieves data from the data storage member and delivers the retrieved data to a receiver which makes it available to individuals.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage member is a film strip, and the receiver is composed of an image projector and screen. The screen 2 may be, as desired, a screen onto which images are projected from behind or from the front.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage member is an opaque strip which carries the astrological data. The receiver, in this case, is one or more apertures in the housing of the apparatus through which the selectively retrieved data is directly viewable.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage member is an audio recording, the receiver being a conventional playback system which includes a sound reproducing device. The audio recording may be placed within a tape cassette.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage means includes both an audio recording and a viewable strip, such as a film strip.

The timing device used in any of the embodiments may include a portion of a clock drive mechanism.

The timing device preferably includes, for all embodiments, an arrangement for setting the duration of the given time interval, which is preferably of 24 hour duration.

' BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a housing containing a clock and within which an apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention may be placed.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of another housing containing a digital clock and within which a preferred apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention may be placed.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the housing illustrated in FIG. 1, with its top removed, showing details of the apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the housing illistrated in FIG. 1 with its side removed, showing details of the apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a portion of the settably timing mechanism which is used in the apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of a modified housing, with its side removed, showing details of a film projector system which may form part of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of a modified housing, with its side removed, showing details of a modified film projection system which may form a part of another preferred embodiment of an apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a modified housing, with its side removed, showing details of an audio play back system which may form part of a further preferred embodiment of an apparatus for presenting astrological data according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a housing 10 which contains an apparatus for presenting astrological data constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided with a door 11 in one of its side walls. The door 11 may be opened to provide access to parts of the apparatus, in particular to those parts which carry the astrological data, for the purpose of changing the data carrier from time to time.

A clock, generally designated by the numeral 12, is fixedly positioned within the housing 10, its face being visible in FIG. l. The conventional gear driving mechanism of the clock 12 forms a portion of a timing mechanism for the apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The housing is provided with an aperture 13 having a flat transparent member 14 positioned therein. Retrieved selected astrological data, in the form of a text, is viewable through the window defined by the aperture 13 and the transparent member 14.

In FIG. 2, a housing 15 which contains an apparatus for presenting astrological data constructed in accordance with a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention is conventionally rotatably mounted via bearings (not shown) on an upstanding support member 16. The support member 16, in turn, is mounted on three floor engaging legs 17.

The housing 15 contains a conventional clock mechanism which includes a digital time display 18 and a numeral calendar 19. The housing 15 is provided with twelve apertures 20 each of which, in one particular embodiment, has a respective transparent member positioned therein to define a window. Selective astrological data in the form of 12 texts, one for each zodiac sign, is retrieved and can be viewed through the windows defined by the respective apertures 20 and their associated transparent members. It is to be appreciated that an access door or the like similar to the door 11 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the housing 15 for the purpose of changing the astrological data carrier.

The specific texts which can be viewed through the aperture 13 (FIG. 1) and the apertures 20 (FIG. 2) are changed automatically in accordance with a programmed sequence as is made apparent from the description below. The text, for example, can be changed once each 24 hour period.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for presenting astrological data includes a gear 21 fixedly connected to a shaft 22 driven from the conventional clock drive of the clock 12, the rate of rotation corresponding to the rate at which the hour hand of the clock 12 is driven. The gear 21 is meshed with and drives a second gear 23 which is mounted on a shaft 24, the gear 23'having twice the number of teeth as the gear 21. The shaft 24 consequently rotates once every 24 hour period.

The shaft 24 is part of a settable switching mechanism, generally designated by the numeral 25, which includes a knob 26 fixedly connected to a plate member 27 both positioned outside the housing 10 and spaced from the rear wall thereof. The plate member 27 is provided on its rearward surface with a 24 hour scale for the convenience of the user.

The plate member 27,'which is rotated by the shaft 24, is circular in shape and includes a bent portion 28 along its entire periphery having serrations in its edge, which faces toward the back wall of the housing 10. A first trip member 29 and a second trip member 31, which can be manually rotated about the shaft 24, are

supported by the shaft 24. Each of the trip members 29 and 31 respectively, they raters towards'tlie serrated 4 edge of the plate member 27, and an extension (unnumbered) on each of the trip members 29 and 31 becomes positioned in a respective serration in the edge of the plate member 27. In these positions, the trip members 29 and 31 rotate with the plate member 27, making one complete revolution over a 24 hour period.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the trip member 29 is provided with an extension 30 and the trip member 31 is provided with an extension 31a, both extensions being directed toward the back wall of the housing 10. A lever 32 extends through a slot in the back wall of the housing 10 and is supported by the back wall of the housing 10 and a support plate 33 mounted conventionally on the back wall of the housing 10 in spaced relationship thereto. The lever 32 is provided, in the space between the back wall of the housing 10 and the support plate 33, with an extension member 34 which carries a spring 35 on its end. The spring 35, in turn, contacts a switch 36 having a pair of electrical contacts associated therewith.

As best seen in FIG. 5, a bell crank 37 is mounted, in the vicinity of that part of the lever 32 which extends outwardly from the back wall of the housing 10, for rotation about its support bearing 38 positioned in the back wall of the housing 10. The bell crank 37 is provided with a biasing spring 38 which tends to hold it in the position illustrated in FIG. 5.

A conventional power cord 38 suitable for plugging into a wall outlet is provided. The power cord 38, as is conventional, has two current conductors. The first conductor 39 is directly connected to an electrical motor (FIG. 4) generally designated by the numeral 40. The second conductor is connected to one of the contacts of the switch 36. The other contact of the switch 36 is connected to one end of a conductor 41, the other end of which is connected to the motor 40.

Thus, the motor 40 can be energized via the switch 36 which is operatively arranged to be moved between its on and off positions by the lever 32 and its associated extension member 34 and the spring 35.

The apparatus for presenting astrological data includes an opaque data carrier 42 in the form of a roll 43 carried on a spool-like member 44 which is removably mounted on bearing surfaces formed by notches 45 on two bracket members 46 attached to the housing 10, as best seen in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus for presenting astrological data includes a pair of bracket members 47 mounted, in spaced relationship from the bracket members 46, on the housing 10 above the aperture 13. A removable take-up spool-like member 48 is positioned on bearing surfaces formed by notches in the bracket members 47. A roll 49 formed from taken-up portions of the data carrier 42 is positioned on the spool-like member 48. A surface drive roller 50 is positioned against the surface of the roll 49. The data carrier 42 is threaded over free running rollers 51 mounted on the bracket members 46 and 47, a portion of the data carrier 42 being positioned in close proximity to the aperture 13.

The roller 50 is driven in a conventional manner by the electric motor 40 via a shaft 52.

The motor 40 and the roller 50 are mounted on a bracket 53 which is pivotably mounted at 54 in a bracket 55 fixed to the housing 10.

In FIG. 6, a simplified embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, those parts which correspond to FIGS. 3-5 being omitted for the sake of clarity.

As shown in FIG. 6, a preferred apparatus for presenting astrological data includes a housing 56 having an aperture 57 facing towards the front. A screen 58 onto which optical images may be projected from the rear is positioned in the aperture 57.-

A film image projector 59 of conventional construction is mounted within the housing 56. A film strip 60 on which is recorded astrological data suitable for rear projection onto the screen 58 is threaded through the projector 59. The film strip 60 is fed from a supply reel 61 through the projector 59 onto a take-up reel 62, the reels 61 and 62 being conventionally removably mounted within the housing 56.

The reel 62 is driven, as shown in FIG. 6, by a roller 64 which directly contacts the surface of the film strip 60 on the reel 62 so as to provide a constant speed drive for the film strip 60. The roller 64 is driven by an electrical motor 63, which corresponds to the electrical motor 40 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5. The film projector 59 is provided internally with a light source which can be turned on, as desired, by a switch 65 mounted in the top of the housing 56.

Power to the electric motor 63 is provided via a pair of conductors 66, one of the conductors 66 being sup plied with power via a switch (not illustrated) corresponding to the switch 36 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. It is to be understood that the switch corresponding to the switch 36 is controlled by a timing mechanism corresponding to parts 12-35 (FIGS. 3-5).

FIG. 7 shows a further preferred embodiment, in simplified form, parts corresponding to similar parts shown in FIGS. 3-5 being omitted for the sake of clarity.

The apparatus for presenting astrological data shown in FIG. 7 includes a housing 67 having a small aperture 75 in the top thereof. A conventional film image projector is mounted within the housing 67 with its projecting end positioned in the aperture 75. As shown, images from a film strip 71, which is threaded through the projector 68, may be projected on a ceiling 76, which acts as a screen, or the like. It is to be understood that the projector 68 may be arranged differently within the housing 67 so as to project images on side walls of a room, vertically positioned screens and the like.

The film strip 71 is fed from a supply reel 69 through the projector 68 onto a take-up reel 70. The reels 69 and 70 are removably mounted within the housing 67 in a conventional manner.

While each of the embodiments described above is provided with a spool or reel, it is to be understood that sprockets could be used as in conventional film projectors.

The additional embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention shown in FIG. 8 includes a housing 78 having an aperture therein in which a loudspeaker 80 is mounted. The loudspeaker 80 is driven by an amplifier 81, which may form part of a radio, phonograph, tape system or the like. A mounting 82 is provided for a removeable audio cassette 83 which contains an audio recording of astrological information.

For the purpose of separately energizing the audio amplifier 81, a switch 84 is provided in the top of the housing 78.

The audio amplifier 81 and the cassette 83 are also powered via conductors (not shown) which are controlled by a switch corresponding to the switch 36 used in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 also includes parts corresponding to components 12-35 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5.

It is to be appreciated that the audio apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 can be combined with any of the visual systems shown in FIGS. 3-7.

It is to be understood that the housing shown in FIG. 2 can house a plurality of visual retrieval apparatuses, one for each aperture 20, or one for each vertical or horizontal row of apertures, or one which functions to supply new text to all of the apertures from a single supply spool or reel.

That which is claimed is:

I. An apparatus for presenting astrological data relating to said individual horoscope comprising; in combi nation:

a. a housing having a front member, a top member, a

bottom member and two side members;

b. a timing means fixed to said housing and providing repetitively an enabling control signal upon the expiration of each successive first time interval of a I first given duration of 24 hours and a disabling control signal upon the expiration of each successive second time interval of a second given duration measured from the time of occurrence of the enabling signal, the disabling signal being produced subsequent to the enabling signal and said second time interval having a duration of less than 24 hours;

c. a first pair of spaced apart brackets fixedly mounted within said housing on said front member in close vicinity to said bottom member, each bracket of said first pair of brackets having a respective bearing surface spaced from said front member for removably supporting a spool-like member;

d. a first free running roller mounted between the brackets of said first pair of brackets, said first free running roller being positioned between said front member and said bearing surfaces of said first pair of brackets in close vicinity of said front member;

e. a second pair of spaced apart brackets fixedly mounted within said housing on said front member in close vicinity to said top member, each bracket of said second pair of brackets having a respective bearing surface spaced from said front member for removably supporting a spool-like member; a second free running roller mounted between the brackets of said second pair of brackets, said second free running roller being positioned between said front member and said bearing surfaces of said second pair of brackets in close vicinity of said front member;

g. an opaque strip in the form of a roll storing astrological data related to an individual horoscope;

h. a first spool-like member positioned within said housing and supported by said bearing surfaces of said first pair of brackets;

i. second spool-like member positioned within said housing and supported by said bearing surfaces of said second pair of brackets, said opaque strip being carried by said first spool-like member and extending, via said first and second free-running rollers, to said second spool-like member;

j. a further bracket fixedly mounted on said front member in close proximity to one bracket of said second pair of brackets, said further bracket in- 8 form of a roll for storing respective different portions of the stored astrological data related to an individual horoscope in response to each excessive occurrence of a signal pair composed of the enabling control signal and the disabling control sighal; and

m. a viewing aperture in said front member of said housing between said first and second free running rollers for receiving the selectively retrieved data relating to an individual horoscope for making a different respective portion of said different portions available for viewing once every 24 hours. 

1. An apparatus for presenting astrological data relating to said individual horoscope comprising; in combination: a. a housing having a front member, a top member, a bottom member and two side members; b. a timing means fixed to said housing and providing repetitively an enabling control signal upon the expiration of each successive first time interval of a first given duration of 24 hours and a disabling control signal upon the expiration Of each successive second time interval of a second given duration measured from the time of occurrence of the enabling signal, the disabling signal being produced subsequent to the enabling signal and said second time interval having a duration of less than 24 hours; c. a first pair of spaced apart brackets fixedly mounted within said housing on said front member in close vicinity to said bottom member, each bracket of said first pair of brackets having a respective bearing surface spaced from said front member for removably supporting a spool-like member; d. a first free running roller mounted between the brackets of said first pair of brackets, said first free running roller being positioned between said front member and said bearing surfaces of said first pair of brackets in close vicinity of said front member; e. a second pair of spaced apart brackets fixedly mounted within said housing on said front member in close vicinity to said top member, each bracket of said second pair of brackets having a respective bearing surface spaced from said front member for removably supporting a spool-like member; f. a second free running roller mounted between the brackets of said second pair of brackets, said second free running roller being positioned between said front member and said bearing surfaces of said second pair of brackets in close vicinity of said front member; g. an opaque strip in the form of a roll storing astrological data related to an individual horoscope; h. a first spool-like member positioned within said housing and supported by said bearing surfaces of said first pair of brackets; i. second spool-like member positioned within said housing and supported by said bearing surfaces of said second pair of brackets, said opaque strip being carried by said first spoollike member and extending, via said first and second freerunning rollers, to said second spool-like member; j. a further bracket fixedly mounted on said front member in close proximity to one bracket of said second pair of brackets, said further bracket including an upstanding portion spaced from said front member; k. an electric motor supported by a pivotable support movably mounted on said upstanding member; l. drive means including a surface drive roller and an electric motor having a drive shaft connected to said drive roller positioned within said housing on said pivotable support, said electric motor being coupled to said timing means and responsive to said two control signals therefrom for moving said opaque strip selectively at a fixed velocity for a given period once each interval of 24 hours thereby selectively retrieving from said opaque strip in the form of a roll for storing respective different portions of the stored astrological data related to an individual horoscope in response to each excessive occurrence of a signal pair composed of the enabling control signal and the disabling control signal; and m. a viewing aperture in said front member of said housing between said first and second free running rollers for receiving the selectively retrieved data relating to an individual horoscope for making a different respective portion of said different portions available for viewing once every 24 hours. 